Thinking about getting a massage?
What are the benefits of massage?
Read about the benefits of massage »
Read about the benefits of massage »
When should I NOT get a massage?
Read about contraindications to massage »
Read about contraindications to massage »
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, you will be asked a number of questions about your general health and medical conditions in order to determine if there are any physical conditions that would limit a massage treatment. Your therapist will discuss your goals and develop a treatment plan to help you reach those goals. After that, your therapist will leave the room to give you some privacy whilst you undress, lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel. After a few minutes, your therapist will knock on the door and check that you are ready before entering. During the session, only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times. As the massage progresses, your therapist will check in with you to see if you need more pressure or less pressure or if you want the massage changed in any way. When the session is over, your therapist will leave the room and allow you to get dressed.
What to wear during the massage?
You will only have to remove as much as you feel comfortable with and you will never be forced to remove any more than you want to. Your therapist will leave the room to give you some privacy whilst you undress to your underwear. Ladies, it is best if you remove your bra, as this makes the shoulders and back more accessible for massage. You will then lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel. After a few minutes, your therapist will knock on the door and check that you are ready before entering. During the session, only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times. When the session is over, your therapist will leave the room and allow you to get dressed. If, however, you prefer to receive massage fully clothed Thai Yoga Massage may be a good alternative.
Please note: For the Sports Massage please make sure that you are wearing comfortable and practical underwear as the massage can include stretches and exercises. Alternatively, you can bring some comfortable sports shorts.
What type of massage is best for me?
Each massage treatment is tailored according to your needs. Let your therapist know what is troubling you and they will deliver a treatment that is most beneficial to you. If this is your first massage, we recommend that you start off with something relaxing like a Swedish Massage and then build up to something which involves more pressure like a Deep Tissue Massage. You can find more information regarding specific types of massage in the 'Treatments' section of this website.
Will the massage be painful?
A massage treatment should never hurt. If, at any time, the treatment you are receiving is causing you pain, let the therapist know immediately. Sometimes, working with an injured or tensed area may cause some discomfort, but even then it should be within a good tolerance level. During your treatment, your therapist will always check that you are comfortable with the pressure being used. If your goal for the massage is to simply unwind, then there is nothing to worry about, your treatment will feel very comforting and relaxing.
Will I have to undress in front of someone?
No, you will be left alone to undress, lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel.
What if I am self-conscious about my body?
Your therapist has worked with different ages, shapes & sizes and will not judge or comment on your physique. Your session is based completely on your preferences, so feel free to let your therapist know if you would rather him/her work through specific areas of clothing, or avoid an area all together.
Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a private, clean, warm, comfortable and quiet treatment room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
On your first visit, you will be asked a number of questions about your general health and medical conditions in order to determine if there are any physical conditions that would limit a massage treatment. Your therapist will discuss your goals and develop a treatment plan to help you reach those goals. After that, your therapist will leave the room to give you some privacy whilst you undress, lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel. After a few minutes, your therapist will knock on the door and check that you are ready before entering. During the session, only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times. As the massage progresses, your therapist will check in with you to see if you need more pressure or less pressure or if you want the massage changed in any way. When the session is over, your therapist will leave the room and allow you to get dressed.
What to wear during the massage?
You will only have to remove as much as you feel comfortable with and you will never be forced to remove any more than you want to. Your therapist will leave the room to give you some privacy whilst you undress to your underwear. Ladies, it is best if you remove your bra, as this makes the shoulders and back more accessible for massage. You will then lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel. After a few minutes, your therapist will knock on the door and check that you are ready before entering. During the session, only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times. When the session is over, your therapist will leave the room and allow you to get dressed. If, however, you prefer to receive massage fully clothed Thai Yoga Massage may be a good alternative.
Please note: For the Sports Massage please make sure that you are wearing comfortable and practical underwear as the massage can include stretches and exercises. Alternatively, you can bring some comfortable sports shorts.
What type of massage is best for me?
Each massage treatment is tailored according to your needs. Let your therapist know what is troubling you and they will deliver a treatment that is most beneficial to you. If this is your first massage, we recommend that you start off with something relaxing like a Swedish Massage and then build up to something which involves more pressure like a Deep Tissue Massage. You can find more information regarding specific types of massage in the 'Treatments' section of this website.
Will the massage be painful?
A massage treatment should never hurt. If, at any time, the treatment you are receiving is causing you pain, let the therapist know immediately. Sometimes, working with an injured or tensed area may cause some discomfort, but even then it should be within a good tolerance level. During your treatment, your therapist will always check that you are comfortable with the pressure being used. If your goal for the massage is to simply unwind, then there is nothing to worry about, your treatment will feel very comforting and relaxing.
Will I have to undress in front of someone?
No, you will be left alone to undress, lie on the massage table and cover yourself with a towel.
What if I am self-conscious about my body?
Your therapist has worked with different ages, shapes & sizes and will not judge or comment on your physique. Your session is based completely on your preferences, so feel free to let your therapist know if you would rather him/her work through specific areas of clothing, or avoid an area all together.
Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a private, clean, warm, comfortable and quiet treatment room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
During your treatment
What should I do during a massage?
The most important thing for you to do is to make yourself comfortable and relax. You might find it helpful to focus on your breathing and try to let go. Many people choose to close their eyes, while others prefer to talk - it is completely up to you. You don't need to move in order to help your therapist; they will move you or ask you to move if required. If you need to adjust your position to get more comfortable, by all means do so. It is also important to let your therapist know if you feel too hot or cold, if you have any discomfort or pain, if you have any questions or want the massage changed in any way.
What areas will be massaged?
During your massage, you will be fully covered (draped) with large towels. Your therapist will uncover only the parts of your body which are being massaged. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times. No private areas will ever be exposed or touched, and only the areas you are comfortable with will be massaged. Women should note that the breast area will not be massaged and will remain fully draped throughout the treatment.
Can I talk during the massage?
Although it is best to relax totally in silence whilst the session is taking place, if you would like to chat during your massage you certainly can. It is also important to let your therapist know if you feel too hot or cold, if you have any discomfort or pain, if you have any questions or want the massage changed in any way.
What if I fall asleep?
There is nothing to worry about! It is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during a massage session. The warmth and release of tension relaxes them right to sleep. Your therapist will continue the massage until the end of your session and will gently wake you when finished.
The most important thing for you to do is to make yourself comfortable and relax. You might find it helpful to focus on your breathing and try to let go. Many people choose to close their eyes, while others prefer to talk - it is completely up to you. You don't need to move in order to help your therapist; they will move you or ask you to move if required. If you need to adjust your position to get more comfortable, by all means do so. It is also important to let your therapist know if you feel too hot or cold, if you have any discomfort or pain, if you have any questions or want the massage changed in any way.
What areas will be massaged?
During your massage, you will be fully covered (draped) with large towels. Your therapist will uncover only the parts of your body which are being massaged. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times. No private areas will ever be exposed or touched, and only the areas you are comfortable with will be massaged. Women should note that the breast area will not be massaged and will remain fully draped throughout the treatment.
Can I talk during the massage?
Although it is best to relax totally in silence whilst the session is taking place, if you would like to chat during your massage you certainly can. It is also important to let your therapist know if you feel too hot or cold, if you have any discomfort or pain, if you have any questions or want the massage changed in any way.
What if I fall asleep?
There is nothing to worry about! It is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during a massage session. The warmth and release of tension relaxes them right to sleep. Your therapist will continue the massage until the end of your session and will gently wake you when finished.
Before your treatment
How should I prepare for a massage?
These are few guidelines that will help you to prepare for your massage:
• Avoid eating a large meal within a couple of hours before the massage. Massage stimulates the digestive system
and therefore might make you feel nauseous. Light meals and snacks are all right, and a larger meal several hours
earlier will not affect you.
• Drink less caffeine than normal or abstain from it altogether the day of your massage. Caffeine directly affects the
nervous system, which is the therapist's primary health focus.
• Abstain from alcohol the day of your massage treatment. Alcohol can contribute to high levels of toxins in the blood,
which massage seeks to reduce.
• Wear comfortable underwear. For the Sports Massage please wear loose fitting clothing such as shorts or tracksuit
bottoms as the massage can include stretches and exercises.
• Remove all jewellery and hair accessories that could interfere with your massage.
• Remove contact lenses. This is for your comfort and safety as wearing the lenses while laying face down on the
massage table could put undue pressure on the eyeball. You can bring your contact lenses case with you.
• If you choose, you may bring extra hair products to restyle your hair after your treatment if you will be in public.
• If you are undertaking any other complementary therapies, you need to leave a minimum of 48 hours between
therapies.
Can I eat before my massage?
Avoid eating a large meal within a couple of hours before the massage. Massage stimulates the digestive system and therefore might make you feel nauseous. Light meals and snacks are all right, and a larger meal several hours earlier will not affect you.
Should I remove my contact lenses before receiving my massage?
If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you remove them before the massage for your comfort and safety. Wearing the lenses while laying face down on the massage table could put undue pressure on the eyeball. You can bring your contact lenses case with you.
Can I have a massage if I have a cold or flu?
You should not be treated with massage if you have cold or flu. This is because your symptoms will probably intensify and also you may pass the virus to your therapist, who is then going to pass it to the rest of the clients.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We operate a 48 hour cancellation policy, so if you need to cancel please make sure you do so before this time. After this time you will be charged 50% of the cost of your appointment. If you are late for your appointment your treatment will be shortened so the next client is not delayed.
How do I pay?
We only accept cash payments or payments in advance by bank transfer. This enables us to keep our costs down and allows us to pass those savings onto you.
These are few guidelines that will help you to prepare for your massage:
• Avoid eating a large meal within a couple of hours before the massage. Massage stimulates the digestive system
and therefore might make you feel nauseous. Light meals and snacks are all right, and a larger meal several hours
earlier will not affect you.
• Drink less caffeine than normal or abstain from it altogether the day of your massage. Caffeine directly affects the
nervous system, which is the therapist's primary health focus.
• Abstain from alcohol the day of your massage treatment. Alcohol can contribute to high levels of toxins in the blood,
which massage seeks to reduce.
• Wear comfortable underwear. For the Sports Massage please wear loose fitting clothing such as shorts or tracksuit
bottoms as the massage can include stretches and exercises.
• Remove all jewellery and hair accessories that could interfere with your massage.
• Remove contact lenses. This is for your comfort and safety as wearing the lenses while laying face down on the
massage table could put undue pressure on the eyeball. You can bring your contact lenses case with you.
• If you choose, you may bring extra hair products to restyle your hair after your treatment if you will be in public.
• If you are undertaking any other complementary therapies, you need to leave a minimum of 48 hours between
therapies.
Can I eat before my massage?
Avoid eating a large meal within a couple of hours before the massage. Massage stimulates the digestive system and therefore might make you feel nauseous. Light meals and snacks are all right, and a larger meal several hours earlier will not affect you.
Should I remove my contact lenses before receiving my massage?
If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you remove them before the massage for your comfort and safety. Wearing the lenses while laying face down on the massage table could put undue pressure on the eyeball. You can bring your contact lenses case with you.
Can I have a massage if I have a cold or flu?
You should not be treated with massage if you have cold or flu. This is because your symptoms will probably intensify and also you may pass the virus to your therapist, who is then going to pass it to the rest of the clients.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We operate a 48 hour cancellation policy, so if you need to cancel please make sure you do so before this time. After this time you will be charged 50% of the cost of your appointment. If you are late for your appointment your treatment will be shortened so the next client is not delayed.
How do I pay?
We only accept cash payments or payments in advance by bank transfer. This enables us to keep our costs down and allows us to pass those savings onto you.
After your treatment
What should I do after my massage?
We recommend that you take care of yourself in the following ways:
• Drink plenty of water, massage releases toxins stored in the tissues and drinking water is necessary to help flush
these toxins from your system (water in tea, coffee and soft drinks does not count).
• Avoid drinking alcohol or anything that contains caffeine as these will further dehydrate your body.
• Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after your treatment.
• If you feel tired, rest as much as possible. Allow your body to enjoy the benefits of your massage and take it easy
for a couple of days, especially if your muscles were very stressed.
• Do not drive after the treatment as you may feel drowsy.
• Avoid taking a hot bath or hot shower after your massage. If you have any inflammation in the muscles, the
excessive heat can serve to exacerbate the injury.
How will I feel after the massage?
It is different for everyone. Some people will feel re-energised and lighter directly after the treatment, while others will feel relaxed and quite sleepy. The deep relaxation and feeling of tiredness is a direct result of the therapeutic effects of touch therapy. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Feeling soreness in your muscles the next day is also perfectly natural.
Will I be sore after my massage?
The day after your massage it is possible that you may feel a little tender in the areas that have been worked on. This is a perfectly normal reaction and there is nothing to worry about. Massage is a form of passive exercise and if you are not used to receiving massage, your muscles may respond with soreness. Just as you can feel sore after a good workout, you might feel a little sore after a massage, but that feeling should not last more than a couple of days.
How often should I have a massage?
It depends on the reasons for receiving the massage and this can vary with each individual case. People who use massage to manage their stress levels usually have it at least once a month. Sports people wanting to prevent injuries and optimise performance have a treatment once per week or once every 2 weeks. Office workers and manual workers would benefit from massage once every 2 or 3 weeks. For people treating an injury or a chronic problem, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvement and speed up the healing process. Once they are feeling better, monthly treatments are advised to maintain healthy tissues.
If your question still has not been answered then contact us for any further advice.
We recommend that you take care of yourself in the following ways:
• Drink plenty of water, massage releases toxins stored in the tissues and drinking water is necessary to help flush
these toxins from your system (water in tea, coffee and soft drinks does not count).
• Avoid drinking alcohol or anything that contains caffeine as these will further dehydrate your body.
• Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after your treatment.
• If you feel tired, rest as much as possible. Allow your body to enjoy the benefits of your massage and take it easy
for a couple of days, especially if your muscles were very stressed.
• Do not drive after the treatment as you may feel drowsy.
• Avoid taking a hot bath or hot shower after your massage. If you have any inflammation in the muscles, the
excessive heat can serve to exacerbate the injury.
How will I feel after the massage?
It is different for everyone. Some people will feel re-energised and lighter directly after the treatment, while others will feel relaxed and quite sleepy. The deep relaxation and feeling of tiredness is a direct result of the therapeutic effects of touch therapy. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Feeling soreness in your muscles the next day is also perfectly natural.
Will I be sore after my massage?
The day after your massage it is possible that you may feel a little tender in the areas that have been worked on. This is a perfectly normal reaction and there is nothing to worry about. Massage is a form of passive exercise and if you are not used to receiving massage, your muscles may respond with soreness. Just as you can feel sore after a good workout, you might feel a little sore after a massage, but that feeling should not last more than a couple of days.
How often should I have a massage?
It depends on the reasons for receiving the massage and this can vary with each individual case. People who use massage to manage their stress levels usually have it at least once a month. Sports people wanting to prevent injuries and optimise performance have a treatment once per week or once every 2 weeks. Office workers and manual workers would benefit from massage once every 2 or 3 weeks. For people treating an injury or a chronic problem, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvement and speed up the healing process. Once they are feeling better, monthly treatments are advised to maintain healthy tissues.
If your question still has not been answered then contact us for any further advice.